Trend Airshield Pro Full Faceshield, Dust Protector, Battery Powered Air Circulating Mask for Woodworking, AIR/PRO

I’ve had this helmet for 3 weekends now and absolutely love it. I’ve worn it cumulatively for about 15 hours. I pondered this purchase for quite a while as a number of reviews stated it was heavy, loud, short battery life, and it gives you a head ache after a couple of hours. First, addressing the head ache/heavy issue. If you’ve ever worn a welding helmet, it’s very similar. If you’re getting a headache and extreme neck fatigue, try loosening the top strap one notch at a time until it feels better. It’s not your favorite pair of sweat pants, it’s never going to be that comfortable. Loosening the top strap takes pressure off the top of your head while at the same time lowering the helmet. Thus lowering the center of gravity. This should help with the neck fatigue. Take the time to adjust the straps to as optimal as possible. It’s definitely worth it. As to it being loud, I would compare it to having a bathroom fan running. When I’m using the lathe, I have ear plugs and the lathe noise. I hardly hear the helmet. Not having my face shield fogging up is a great trade for dealing with the noise. I did find out and it should be obvious, whatever the air temperature is, is the temperature of air that will be blowing down your face. Found this out when I thought my shop was fine at 50 degrees. Last but not least, battery life. I wore my helmet for about 8 hours before a mild warning chime sounded that the battery was getting low. I purchased the helmet with the extra battery and charging station. Battery swap is super quick. I would recommend the extra battery and charging station as the directions say it takes 14 hours to charge the battery. Not exactly convenient if it’s Sunday morning at 10:00 am and your trying to finish a project. The filters are mounted at the top of the helmet keeping them away from most of the sawdust coming off the lathe. I believe they will last a long time. I lightly blow them off with the air compressor when I think about it. Lastly, the helmet is quick and easy to put on. I find I don’t do near as many quick tasks with out protective gear because it’s to much of a pain to put on. Let’s face it, the best protective gear is the stuff you actually use. The on/off button is large and easy to access. I haven’t owned any other brands of this type of gear, but having owned welding/grinding helmets I can’t recommend this helmet enough.

Expensive face mask but so worth it! Compared to traditional dust masks, this is a crazy product but it works so much better, filters well and with the active air flow, it won't fog up like other full face masks. For eyeglass wearers that's just about the only thing that matters since if you can't see well, you won't use it. This is comfortable to wear, easy to put on and the fan works well to keep air moving through the mask. There's no leakage from outside the mask providing a good seal which also means no dust is coming in as well. Unlike traditional face masks, having a beard or mustache isn't a problem in getting a good seal. Easy to resize using the head strap adjustment too.

I’ve been looking sor a respirator that was comfortable, affordable and reliable. The Trend respirator meets all those needs. The weight with the battery isn’t a concern and have been able to wear with no issues all day while working in the shop. A simple push of the on off button turns the blower fan on and off. It does take over night to charge the battery so you might want to get an extra one. Make sure you run the battery down as they are nickel based and will develop a memory. Like using this while sanding or turning.

I can't tell you how many different types of masks and protective eyewear products I have bought and tried. No matter how much they promise not to fog up they either do, or there is such a gap between the protective shield that stuff flies up inbetween anyway!Add a mask and I either am compromising my ability to see the work or I'm removing the mask or eyeware while doing the work.It's dangerous and/or compromises the quality of the work if vision is compromised. Needless to say that it is unacceptably too dangerous to not work with PPE (Eye and Respiratory).I finally broke down and spent the $350 for this product and I wish I did it a lot sooner. Honestly, if I add up all the other (cheaper) PPE that I bought/tried over the years, I probably spent that much if not more.The first time I used this face shield, I was routing out a 1/2" trough (21 x 21 in) in an oak tree cookie. When I first started to rout, the chips were flying and I thought, "what am I doing! I forgot eye protection!" Then I realize I had the shield on!!! WOW. What else can I say for a testimonial: I was using it and didn't even notice it was on my head.PROs: Fit and usage is simple enough. the headstrap system adjusts like a hard had does.It's not cumbersome and there is ample space between the faceshield and my nose (I'm not as big as Jimmy Durante but have a longer than average nose).Air is vented down from the brow down the face so it helps keep the face from sweating and the shield from fogging.Like the design and features: air flow pump, filters, battery, plug-in for battery charging, filter location are all conveniently located and protected by helmet shell. there is also a buzzer to let you know when the battery is getting low. Can't confirm it's sound or loudness because the longest I've used the helmet so far is 4 straight hours and the battery was still going strong.CONs: Although the helmet nape and crown straps have padding, I just couldn't find a setting that was completely comfortable. I've spent years working in construction areas where hard hats are required so I do know how to adjust them and I guess I'll need to break this one in before I get comfortably fit.After four hours of routing and sanding (looking down on my project sitting on a table) my neck sure got sore because the unit isn't perfectly balanced. I'll probably add some counterweights to correct this problem. Accessories for the product are rediculously expensive! For example, plastic protective overlays for the face shield is $36 for a package of 10! C'mon, I'm using ones made for my other mask which I paid half that price for a package of 30! To be fair, compared to other units, the replacement filters are equally priced BUT an additional battery and an external charger is also way over priced.All In All: I couldn't be happier with this product. I would have saved a lot of money if I just went ahead and bought one of these a while ago instead of trying all these different eye protection and mask products. I should note that I did buy this when it was $100 cheaper than it is listed now (Last price was $450) and, to be honest, I would have to think long and hard about spending that extra $100 knowing the costs of replaceables. Durability is the only factor I can't attest to (item is just too new in my shop) and that would be a big factor regarding this additional cost(s).Nothing beats being able to clearly see your work and breath clean air while doing it! Not to mention the exponential increase in safety.